Imanai Gold Mine Shrine, located in the town of Narita in Gunma Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of gold and treasure, Kami no Makoto. The shrine's name is derived from its association with the Imanai Gold Mine, which was once one of Japan's largest gold mines. The shrine's architecture reflects the region's unique cultural heritage, with a distinctive curved roof and wooden pillars. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, including a museum showcasing the history of the gold mine, and attend festivals such as the Spring Golden Festival to pray for good fortune and prosperity.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Kami no Makoto
- Kami enshrined
- Kami no Makoto
- Coordinates
- 36.2236889, 139.1541652
Visitor tip
For those visiting during the Spring Golden Festival, be sure to bring a small amount of gold or jewelry to make an offering to Kami no Makoto.
Cultural notes
The shrine is also associated with the legend of the 'Golden River,' a mythical waterway said to flow beneath the earth and carry treasures to those who pray at the shrine.
Historical note
Founded in 1888 during the Meiji period, when the Imanai Gold Mine was at its peak.